The importance of Reed Johnson’s walk-off job in Game 1 of Wednesday’s DH goes without saying.

His game-winning blast pushed the Cubs above .500, assured a series win against the Padres and placed the Cubs atop the NL Central–albeit short lived following the Game 2 loss. (However, the Cubs are still in a four-way tie for first in the Central).

But also of significance is the shot of confidence the hit provided Johnson, who’s struggled offensively coming off the bench.

Hitting a messily .182 before his pinch-hit bomb in the 11th inning, Reed followed that up going 3-for-4 with a double and RBI in Game 2.

All totaled, Johnson went 4-for-5 on the day…raising his average to .355.

With Reed showing a hot hand, it will be interesting to see if Quade stays with him in the short-term as a starter. Tyler Colvin, after all, is hitting .136.

Regardless, we know Reed’s calling card is his glove, not his bat. But I’m happy to see ‘White Slice’ back with the Cubs, and contributing on both sides of the plate.